-16 -- More than 220 Soldiers, Family and Civilians turned out for the first ever Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Comprehensive Wellness Conference Feb. 22, at the K-16 football field and Community Activities Center, offering tips and information on physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, mental and social wellbeing.

The guest speaker at the event was Deputy Commanding General, Operations, Eighth Army, Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Graves, speaking on what wellness meant to him personally and professionally. "I can't remember a day where wellness wasn't part of my day," he said.

The conference started at 6:30 a.m., timed with physical training for most service members, and ended at noon. The event included a running and injury mitigation clinic and a session on how to perfect the P.T. test in terms of push-ups and sit-ups, as well as other helpful fitness information from experts in various areas.

Master resiliency trainer Sgt. 1st Class David Blankenship talked about energy management. "When Soldiers modulate their energy level to match their task at hand, they truly enhance performance in all aspects of life," he explained.

Physical Therapist Dr. Heather Hovey from the Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital provided instruction in the 101 P.T. class, and several participants were able to benefit from her advice on a low back maintenance plan and exercises.

65th Medical Brigade Dietitian Capt. (P) Trinity Storey was a presenter on performance nutrition, specifically how to fuel before and after to get the most out of a workout. She also educated the group on the myths of supplements, highlighting the dangers of trendy powders and pills that service members getting in shape might be tempted to try. Handouts on the Performance Triad and a "Barracks" Healthy Cook Book were available for Soldiers to take home after the program.

Jennifer Regnier, a teller for the Community Bank, was also on hand to discuss credit scores and budgets. In addition to physical health, financial health is important, especially for mental and emotional resiliency, she said.

Eighth Army Master Fitness Trainer Sgt. Bryan Granger shared information on how to set a plan for workouts, while Army Public Health Nurse Capt. Dexter Williams provided a session on how to quit smoking and forming healthy relationships.

"This conference was a great success," said Behr. "We hope to convene and improve on this event every year."